Shirt protecting device



Filed March 27, 1942 2 Sheets-Sheet l ../m\ I K 0 7- (i 86 30 f 2 31 0 H-; E n 31 l I 1 16 a5 7 .36

- 1 INVENTOR ATTORNEY June 5, 1945.

R. GUYER ET AL SHIRT PROTECTING DEVICE Filed March 27, 1942 i 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY Patented June 5, 1945 SHIRT PROTECTING DEVICE.

Reynolds Guyer and Russell J. Hen-nessey, St. Paul, Minn, assignors to Waldorf Paper Products Company, St. Paul, Minn., a corporation" of Minnesota Application March 27, 1942', Serial No. 136,482 2 Claims. (01. 223-) @ur invention relates to an improvement in shirt reinforcing members and in. a method of producing the same, wherein it is desired to simplify'the procedure'of producing the shirt stiffeningelements and to lower thecost of production.

When garments, such as mens shirts for example, are laundered theyare ordinarily provided with a reinforcing element of cardboard, or the like, which is folded or enclosed within the folded shirt so as to hold the same in a flat condition. It is also common practice to provide stiffening elements of cardboard, or the like, which may be placed within the collars of the shirts to keep the collars from becoming creased or wrinkled before theyare worn. These collar reinforcing elements are ordinarily an entirely separate-artic'le from the shirt. stiffening means used to hold construction has several advantages. In the first place, less cardboard is used, as. the collar reinforcing element is removed from the central por-.

tion of the shirt stiffening board. The removal of this collar reinforcing element from the stiffening board does not materially weaken the stiffening board and does not change the outer conformation thereof. At the same time the col lar reinforcing element need not be stamped or out from a separate sheet as is usual practice.

A further feature of the present invention lies in the provision of a band designed to encircle the shirt so as to hold the shirt in a folded condition. This band may also be cut from the body of the shirt stiffening board so as to save material. The band is usually formed of material cut from the central portion of the stiffening element so as not to change the outer shape of the stiffening board. Even when both the collar reinforcing element and the encircling band have been cut from the body of the stiffening board, the effectiveness of the board has been found not materially reduced.

A further feature of the present invention lies in the provision of a band which is so designed that it may be'readily cut from the central portion of the stiffening board. The stiffening board is usually rectangularin shape and the Width of the board is ordinarily substantially greater than halfthe length of the board. As a result, a single band cut from the body of the board would. not be of sufficient length to encirole the shirt. Accordingly, we have produced a novel type of encircling band which is. of a length not greatly in excess of the Width of the board, sothat this band may be easily. cut from the center of the stifieningboard without materially detracting from the'effecti'veness of the board.

A further object of the present invention lies in the provision of a novel type of collar reinforcingelement. Most of the reinforcing elements used Within the collars of shirts when they are shipped from the factory, or when they are returned from the laundry, are. arcuate in shape so as to readily bendinto a frustro-conical shape. We have found that by properly folding a, straight strip of cardboard or similar material, the proper form of reinforcing element maybe constructed from this straight strip. Such a construction is advantageous, not only because the straight strip may be more easily cut from the stiffening board, but also because a smaller portion of the board is affected when the strip' removed from the.

board is straight from end to end. r

A further feature, of the present, invention lies in the provision of a collar reinforcing element having a pair of wings foldably secured thereto designed to engage the outer surface of the for- Ward points of a shirt collar to hold the collar points in proper position. With the folded, collar reinforcing element of our design, these wings actuallyengage the outer surface of the. collar points and effectively hold these collar points in proper position. I y

Our invention relates not only to theconstruction of the collar reinforcing element andshirt tially cut therefrom, but being supported to the stiffening board by short uncut portions of the board. As a result the process. of preparing. the shirt for the customer is greatly simplified]. For example, the same stiffening board may be used forshirts with or without an attached collar.- If

the stiffening board is to be used with. ashirthav ing'an attached collar, the collar reinforcing memher is torn from the stiffening board and placed in positi'onto reinforce the shirt collar. If the stiffening board is to be used for a shirt which has not attached collar, the collar reinforcing element may be disregarded and left attached to the stiff ening board. Similarly the encircling band may or may not be removed from the stiffening board during the preparation of the shirt for the customer.

These and other objects and novel features of our invention will be more clearly and fully set forth in the following specification and claims.

In the drawings forming a part of our specification:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of 'a shirt having an encircling band, a collar reinforcing element, and a stiffening board from which the band and reinforcing element are removed.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the stiffening board showing the encircling band and collar reinforcing element attached thereto before removal for use.

Figure 3 is a plan view of a stiffening board showing a collar reinforcing element of somewhat usual construction removably provided therein.

Figure 4 is a plan view of a shirt stiffening board showing the collar reinforcing element of our novel construction removably attached thereto.

Figure 5 is a plan view of the collar reinforcing element shown in Figure 4 after removal from the stiffening board.

Figure 6 is a plan view of a collar reinforcing element of a slightly different type from that shown in Figure 5, but embodying the principles of our invention.

Figure 7 is a top plan view of the collar reinforcing element when folded into proper form to reinforce the shirt collar.

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 7 showing a modified form of construction.

Figure 9 is a plan view of one form of shirt encircling band.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the band illustrated in Figure 9 when folded into operative position.

Figure 11 illustrates a modified form of shirt encircling band before folded into encircling shape.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the band illustrated in Figure 11 when folded into shirt encircling condition.

Figure 13 is a plan view of a modified form of shirt encircling band.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of the band illustrated in Figure 13 in shirt encircling posi- The shirt A is shown in Figure 1 as embodying a shirt stiffening board B of the usual rectangular outline shape, and illustrates a collar reinforcing element C and a shirt encircling band D which have been cut from the body of the stiffening member B. The shirt stiffening board B, with the reinforcing element C and the band D, are best illustrated in Figure 2 of the drawings, in which figure the reinforcing element C and the band D are integrally attached to the stiffening board B.

The stifl'ening board B comprises a fiat sheet of cardboard, or the like, indicated in general by the numeral I 0, which is shown rectangularin outline shape. While the outline shape of the stiffening board may be varied if desired, these boards have usually been formed in the rectangular shape illustrated.

The collar reinforcing element 0 is best illus- I3 each extend in a slanting direction from the center point I4 at a substantially equal angle to the edge of the strip so as to define a central isosceles triangle I5. The divergent ends of the fold lines I2 and I3 are preferably cut or slit at I 6 and I1 so that the base of the triangle I5 is separated from the remainder of the strip. The

slits or cut portions I6 and I! extend a substantial distance toward the point I4 for a purpose which will be hereinafter more clearly set forth. When the strip II is to be used for reinforcing a collar it is folded into the position best illustrated in Figure '7 of the drawings. The strip ends I9 and 20 are folded back along. the fold lines I2; and I3 so as to assume the angle formed by the neck band of the shirt. fact that fold lines I2 and I3 are in angular relation to the upper edge 2| of the band I I, the ends I9 and 20 are inclined. Thus when the collar reinforcing element B has been folded into the position illustrated in Figure 7, this element may underlie the opposite sides 22 and 23 of the collar of the shirt A to prevent the sides of the collar from wrinkling or creasing.

In inserting the collar reinforcing element B in place within the shirt collar, it will be noted that the triangular portion I5 between the strip ends I9 and 20 extends at a considerable angle to the surface of the shirt which it engages. Accordingly as the reinforcing element is inserted the lower end or base of the triangular portion I5 will ordinarily fold along a line 24 connecting the upper extremities of the slits or cut portions I6 and I1. This action will permit the reinforcing element to be inserted a considerable distanceing element from slipping out of place. In other words, not only do the slits I6 and I1 permit the lower edges of the band II to curve to some extent to better fit the shape of the collar, but also the edge 25 of the base of the triangle will engage against the surface of the shirt to hold the collar reinforcement in place.

In Figure 2 of the drawings, it will be noted that the reinforcing element C is not entirely out from the sheet I0, forming the shirt stiffening board v B. Short uncut portions, indicated at 28, are provided to hold the strip I I secured to the sheet I0. As a result, if the shirt being prepared for the customer is not of the collar attached type, this stiffening element may remain an integral part of the board I 6 and need not be detached therefrom. On the other hand, the collar reinforcing element C is readily available for use and may be quickly torn out of place when desired for use.

Figure 3 illustrates a shirt stiffening board E, which incorporates a different type of collar reinforcing element, illustrated in general by the letter F. The shirt stiffening board E comprises the sheet 28 of cardboard, or the like, from which is cut or stamped the collar reinforcing element F. The element F is arcuated in shape, as illustrated, and comprises a curved strip 21, which is connected to the body of the board 28 by short uncut connecting portions 29.

the collar of a shirt to reinforce the same.

Because of thev The strip 21 will bend' into a frustro-conical surface so as to fit beneath carr a e the central rportion of which is :stamped or sent the collar .-rein'forcing element E. :Short uncut portions 13! .connectth'e element C to the body of the2bo1t30. 1 i

.In Figure .6 i of :the drawings, I disclose .a .collar feinforcingelement .whi'chzmay b'eiused in place oif the reinforcingelement Bwvhere it is desired to provide wingsrfor retaining thepointsofsthe collar in place. This collar reinforcing element,indi catedlimgeneraliby thei-i'letter H, comprisesanelongated strip 32, which is cut or stamped fromdvhe central portion of the shirt stiffening board, such as B or G. 'The element'Hisprovided with a pair of score lineswor fo'ld linesi33i'and 34, which converge toward a point on the upper edge 360i the strip. The fold lines 33 and 34 diverge from a point 35 in a manner to form a triangular portion 31, somewhat similar to the triangular portion l5 of the reinforming element C. The element H, however, is provided with a pair of ears or wings 39 which extend transversely from the fold lines 34. These wings 39, being divided by slits or cuts 40 in the strip 32. As a result when the ends 4! and 42 of the strip 32 are folded into proper form to fit beneath the sides 22 and 23 of ashirt collar, the wings 39 engage against the outer surface of the sides of the collar to hold the collar points in place. A fold line 43 is provided between the triangular portion 31 and the wings 39 to allow these Wings toextend over the outer surface of the collar while the ends 4| and 42 of the strip extend within the collar.

It will be seen that because of the relative dimensions of the shirt stiffening board it would not be possible to cut a single length strip sufiiciently long to encircle the shirt. We have found, however, that by forming this band as best illustrated in Figures 9 and 10 of the drawings, an efiective shirt encircling strip may be provided.

The band D is formed of an elongated strip 44 of cardboard or the like, which may be cut or stamped from the central portion of the stiffening'board as best illustrated in Figure 2 of the drawings. It will be noted that the strip 44 is secured to the body of the sheet ID by short uncut portions 45 which will permit the strip to be readily torn from the stiffening board B when desired for use.

The strip 44 is provided with two scored lines or fold lines 46 and 41 .eachof which is parallel to and adjacent an end of the strip. Extending between these fold lines 46 and 41 we provide a pair of spaced parallel slits 49 and 59. These slits 49 and 50 are-centrally connected by a transversely extending slit 5|. This structure provides two parallel bands 52 and 53 between which are provided a pair of opposed strip portions 54 and 55. Near the abutting ends of the strip portions 54 and 55 we provide interlocking slots 56 and 51 which enable the ends of the strip portions 54 and 55 to be interlocked together as best illustrated in Figure 10 of the drawings.

A pair of fold lines 59, parallel to the fold line 46 and adjacent the same, are provided through the strips 52 and 53, and single fold or score lines 60 are provided in these strips parallel to and adjacent the fold line 41. This permits the strips 52 and 53 to extend in ofiset relation to the interlocked strip portions 54 and 55 in the manner best illustrated in Figure 10 of the drawings. Thus, in

finisheditorm estructure:isrprovidedjmwhich:interlockedband pnrtionszS lpndriidieronl'one plane; while the bands 52 and 53 lie in a parallel plane sortlratitheibndyznfctheshirtunaybesupported between the strands 2.52 sand 53 sand the interlocked bandrportions 254 and 55.

.3II1AEig1-11BS11EaHdfJ-2"W8111156105811. modified vform of :band construction. This form of .iconstruction is somewhat-similar ito thatmreviously :described. the aband -J iis in %the :form -of an elongated strip 6! mhichzis pmviided with lfflld .zlines 162 .and 6.3

7 parallel tmandradjacentthe endsaof thetband. A

em :64 extends :between ".the ,:fold lines :62 and 63, dividing the band Jlongitudinally. A transverse slit .65 i separates none zs'ide :of the strip 6l into two bandmortions .66 and whileithe :other' side :of therstiiipscomprisesza singleiband69. A fold line 513 its provided iinithetban'd fi9par-allel to and ad-i japent the field :line 662 :and :-a second transverse fold line 1| is provided paralleltorandadjacent the fold line 63. The band portions 66 and 61 are provided with interlocking slots 12 and 13 by means of which the band portions 55 and 61 may be interlocked.

When the band J isin operative position the band 69 may extend over the front of the shirt and the ends of the band 69 are terminally connected to the band portions 66 and 61. The band portions 66 and 61 are interlocked at their ends to form a loop designed to encircle the .body of the shirt.

Another form of band construction is illustrated in Figures 13 and 14 of the drawings. In this form of construction the band K is in the form of an elongated strip 13 of cardboard, or the like, which may be stamped or punched from the body of the shirt stiffening board B similarly to the manner in which the band D is cut therefrom. The strip 13 is provided with a longitudinally extending slit 14 which extends most of the length of the band 13, but which terminates at a point spaced from the ends thereof. The strip 13 is divided by the slit 14 into two parallel strips 15 and 16 which are connected at both ends and the strip 16 is slit transversely at 11 to divide the strip 16 into two sections. A tape 19 may be provided projecting from one of the two strip portions into which the strip 16 is divided and this tape 19 may be used to connect the ends of the separated portions of the strip 16 after the strip 16 has been bent to lie in a plane parallel to the plane of the strip 15. In other words, a loop is formed in the manner best illustrated in Figure 14 'of the drawings,v which is capable of encircling the body of the shirt.

1 While we have shown numerous specific examples of forms of construction which may be used, it should be noted that all of these constructions are similar in-that' in each case the band or collar reinforcing element is punched or cut from the shirt stiffening board. As a result a saving in material is efiected and the shirt may be prepared for the customer in an extremely short period of time due to the fact that all of the elements are furnished separately connected together.

In accordance with the patent statutes, we have described the principles of construction and operation of our method and apparatus for reinforcing a shirt, and while we have endeavored to set forth the best embodiments thereof, we desire to have it understood that these are only illustrative of a means of carrying out our invention and that obvious changes 'may be made' of said strip at the ends of said slits, the cut 1 ends of said one band being folded along said fold lines to overlie the opposite side of said unslitted portions from the remaining bands, second transverse fold lines in said other bands in spaced parallel relation to said first fold lines, said bands forming a substantially rectangular ring when the cut ends of said one band are in overlapping relation.

I 2. A shirt encircling band comprising an elongated strip of flexible material, an elongated slit extending longitudinally of said strip and terminating short of the ends of the strip, providing a pair oi. bands terminally connected by an unslitted portion, transversely extending fold lines across said strip at the ends of said slit, one of said bands being cut intermediate its ends, the cut ends of said band being folded over said unslitted portion to position said unslitted portion between said one band and the other band, and second fold lines transversely across the other of said bands, in spaced parallel relation to said first fold lines to form a substantially rectangular ring when the cut ends of said one band are overlapped.

REYNOLDS GUYER. RUSSELL J. HENNESSEY. 

